David Alaba and AC Milan could find themselves on the same path, if Ralf Rangnick were to join the club as a director.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report Alaba – who rose to prominence at Bayern Munich and spent the last five seasons at Real Madrid – is approaching 34 (he’ll turn 34 at the end of June) and is ready for a new experience. The paper claim he could be the ‘new Modric’.
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His connection to the Rossoneri would obviously come through Rangnick, his national team coach and his big endorser. And then, who knows, if he were to land at Milanello, he might even have the chance to fulfil a dream: playing in midfield.
A tempting opportunity
With his contract with Real Madrid expiring, Alaba could represent an interesting opportunity for Milan. The main issue: he has been frequently sidelined in recent years due to various physical issues (he missed approximately 140 games in five seasons in Spain).
However, his quality and experience (he’s won 39 titles, including four Champions League titles) are clear evidence. He has a good relationship with Rangnick and Milan would sign him to strengthen their defence (he’s always played either left-back or centre-back) mainly.
With the possible departures of Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot, he could also fulfil his desire to play consistently as a midfielder. He’s done so throughout his career, it’s his favourite position on the pitch, and in Serie A he could do it more permanently.
Back in 2016, when he signed his last contract extension with Bayern, he was promised a midfield role, but he was always deployed deeper. For this reason, he decided to leave the Bavarians in 2021.
In addition to Real Madrid, PSG also tried to sign him, but the French club refused to make any guarantees in terms of his midfield role. Given equal treatment, he therefore chose Real Madrid.
Things initially went very well in Madrid: he made 85 appearances in his first two seasons. Then, in his third season, still a starter, he tore his cruciate ligament (in December 2023) and has never made more than 16 appearances since.
He’ll be the bench midfielder? Comparing him to Modric is one of the biggest jokes I’ve ever heard. Modric is as fit as he was 10 years ago. Alaba can’t play 3 games in a row, and probably won’t be able to ever again.
Yep. Modric is made of granite. Alaba is made of glass.
Rabiot is not going anywhere